Sabor Brasil, which translates to mean flavour, is here to transport your senses to South America. The venue is the handiwork of hospitality veteran Gavin McDougal, who also owns Aloha Bar & Dining in Broadbeach as well as Taboo Tiki in Surfers Paradise, among others, alongside Brendo Willian, who arrived in Australia just three years ago without knowing a word of English. Relying on Google Translate to get by, Brendo got a job as a glassy at one of Gavin’s establishments. After witnessing firsthand Brendo’s dedication and passion, the pair got to chatting about the future, more specifically Brendo’s long-held dream of opening a traditional, authentic Brazilian restaurant right here on the Gold Coast. His vision was to create an eatery that was similar in style to the small family restaurant his parents owned in his hometown of Imbé in south Brazil. Gavin was hooked, line and sinker, and the rest – as they say – is history. Taking the helm alongside chef Paul, Brendo has compiled an extensive (and we mean extensive) selection of fare using his mother’s recipes, which have been passed down from her mother.

The menu features both the traditional names alongside an English translation and is conveniently separated into Comida de Boteco (bar snacks), Entrada (entrees), Carne (meat), Pratos Principais Clássicos (classic Brazilian main dishes), Prato Extra (sides) and Sobremesa (dessert). It’s double-sided too, so we strongly recommend you start with a little something from the drinks list and take your time to peruse. The intention is that Sabor Brasil is the kind of place you can sit for the arvo sipping and snacking, before tackling something a little more substantial when the pangs of hunger hit. The cassava fries are an excellent place to start, and if you’re in the mood for meat – the Picanha do Nato ao Molho Quatro Queijos (steak with four-cheese sauce), is a dish close to Brendo’s heart and is named after his father. The Prato Feito (Brazilian set meal) is also a solid staple of any Brazilian restaurant and is served with your choice of steak, chicken or vegan enchiladas.

When it comes to the drinks, there’s a selection of tastebud-tingling cocktails, but if you’re after the true dining experience, Cachaça is where it’s at. On Sundays in Imbé, the old men would gather around the bar drinking Cachaça, also known as Pinga (no, not the illegal kind), Brazil’s national spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. Try it straight up from a shot glass, or muddled with lime and sugar (that’s the Caipirinha cocktail, in case you were wondering) – is kind of like Brazil’s version of a margarita. Everything at Sabor Brasil, from the relaxed bar-stool settings to the spirits lining the bar and the samba music spilling into the street, is designed to linger in your memory long after you’ve departed. It’s a little taste of Rio right here on the Gold Coast Highway, no passport required.

If you’re up for a culinary adventure, fly over to our Stumble Guide.